After 14 years of preserving Philippine cinema, ABS-CBN Film Restoration has officially ended operations as of March 31, 2025. On May 1, Leo Katigbak, the respected head of the restoration project, confirmed the closure on Facebook, marking the end of an era for Filipino film heritage.
“ABS-CBN Film Restoration had an amazing journey, some 240+ movies scanned, enhanced, restored, and remastered, reintroduced to new audiences from as early as 1939,” Katigbak wrote.
The initiative was responsible for reviving timeless Filipino classics like Himala, Oro, Plata, Mata, and Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak, among many others. These restorations were not just technical feats—they were cultural milestones.
Legacy in Transition: Enter Cinemo and Star Cinema
Despite the project's shutdown, hope isn’t lost. According to internal updates, Cinemo and Star Cinema—both under ABS-CBN Corporation—are expected to continue managing and exhibiting the existing restored film catalog.
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Cinemo, known for airing classic and contemporary Filipino films, will likely take charge of broadcast and syndication, ensuring that restored classics remain accessible to television and streaming audiences.
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Star Cinema, ABS-CBN’s flagship film production company, may oversee future distribution, licensing, and preservation of materials, possibly integrating restored classics into educational or commercial releases.
While the aggressive restoration efforts may have ceased, these two arms of ABS-CBN could carry the torch to keep the legacy alive.
What If MVP Acquires or Funds the Revival?
Industry chatter hints at a potential white knight: Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP), chairman of PLDT, Cignal, and TV5. If MVP were to acquire or invest in the film restoration assets or know-how, several outcomes are possible:
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Funding for New Restorations: With MVP’s vast resources, new restoration projects could resume with even better technology.
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Expanded Platforms: Films could reach new audiences through Cignal TV, Cignal Play, or partnerships with global streaming services.
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Cultural Investment: MVP has shown interest in arts and culture; supporting this initiative could align with his broader legacy goals.
This scenario would not just preserve, but elevate Philippine film restoration to global standards.
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